• garbage disposal not working

If your garbage disposal suddenly stops working, don’t panic, it’s often something simple. Most issues come from a tripped reset button, jammed flywheel, clogged drain, or power problem, not a total breakdown. With a few easy checks, you can often get it running again in minutes.

This guide will walk you through the most common reasons garbage disposals fail, how to fix them safely, and when it’s time to call a professional plumber. Whether your unit won’t turn on, hums without grinding, drains slowly, or smells bad, you’ll find practical solutions that save time, stress, and repair costs.

Quick Overview: Common Garbage Disposal Problems and Fixes

Problem Likely Cause Fast Fix
Won’t turn on Power issue, tripped breaker, faulty switch Check plug, reset button, and circuit breaker
Humming but not grinding Jammed flywheel or overheated motor Turn off power, manually free flywheel, press reset
Leaking water Loose gasket, cracked housing, drain connection Tighten fittings or replace seals
Draining slowly Clogged drain or dull blades Clean drain trap, flush with vinegar and hot water
Smells bad Trapped food debris or bacteria Use citrus, vinegar, or ice cube cleaning
Keeps tripping reset Overheating or short circuit Clear jams, let motor cool, reset unit
Vibrates or rattles Loose mount or debris inside Tighten mounting ring and inspect for obstructions

1. Why Won’t My Garbage Disposal Turn On?

Possible Causes

If your garbage disposal does absolutely nothing—no sound, no hum—it’s usually due to a power problem. This could be a tripped breaker, unplugged cord, or faulty wall switch. Many disposals also have a built-in reset button that automatically trips when the motor overheats.

How to Fix It

  1. Make sure the unit is plugged into a working outlet.

  2. Press the reset button (a red or black button) on the bottom of the disposal.

  3. Check your home’s breaker panel for a tripped switch.

  4. If it still doesn’t work, test the outlet with another small appliance.

  5. If the outlet works, the problem could be inside the disposal’s internal wiring or switch – time to call a pro.

Prevention Tip

Avoid overloading the disposal with large amounts of food at once, and always run cold water while grinding. This helps keep the motor from overheating and tripping the reset button.

2. Why Does My Garbage Disposal Hum But Not Grind?

Possible Causes

A humming sound usually means the disposal has power but the flywheel or impeller is jammed. When this happens, the motor hums but can’t spin, which can cause overheating and damage if left on.

How to Fix It

  1. Unplug the unit or switch off the breaker.

  2. Locate the small hex hole underneath the disposal.

  3. Insert an Allen wrench and turn it back and forth to free the jammed flywheel.

  4. After freeing it, press the reset button and turn the unit back on.

  5. Run cold water and test it.

If it still hums, the motor might be burned out and require replacement.

Prevention Tip

Never grind fibrous materials like celery stalks, corn husks, or banana peels. These easily wrap around the impeller and cause jams.

3. Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking?

Leaks are one of the most common issues homeowners face. Depending on where the leak is coming from, the repair can range from tightening a connection to replacing the entire unit.

Common Leak Sources

  • Top leaks: From the sink flange (mounting area)

  • Side leaks: From the drain or dishwasher hose connection

  • Bottom leaks: From cracks in the disposal housing

How to Fix It

  1. Top leak: Tighten the mounting bolts or reapply plumber’s putty around the sink flange.

  2. Side leak: Tighten the hose clamps or replace the rubber gasket where the drainpipe connects.

  3. Bottom leak: Unfortunately, this means the disposal’s internal seal is broken, and the unit must be replaced.

Prevention Tip

Always run cold water when grinding food. Hot water can soften rubber gaskets and increase vibration, leading to leaks over time.

4. Why Is My Garbage Disposal Draining Slowly?

Possible Causes

A slow drain means food waste, grease, or debris has built up in the drain trap (P-trap) or discharge pipe. Over time, this can create stubborn clogs.

How to Fix It

  1. Disconnect power to the disposal.

  2. Place a bucket under the sink.

  3. Remove the P-trap and discharge pipe.

  4. Use a brush or plumbing snake to clear the blockage.

  5. Reconnect everything and run hot water to test the flow.

Pro Tip: Avoid chemical drain cleaners, they can corrode metal parts and void warranties.

Prevention Tip

Flush your disposal with hot water and dish soap weekly. For deeper cleaning, use baking soda and vinegar to dissolve buildup naturally.

5. Why Does My Garbage Disposal Smell Bad?

Possible Causes

Bad odors come from trapped food particles decaying inside the unit or drain line. These particles stick to the blades and rubber splash guard over time.

How to Fix It

  • Natural cleaner: Pour ½ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

  • Citrus clean: Grind up lemon or orange peels for a fresh scent.

  • Blade sharpening: Drop a few ice cubes and a tablespoon of rock salt, then run the unit with cold water.

Prevention Tip

Clean your disposal weekly and avoid letting food sit in it. Running it briefly with cold water after each use keeps it clean and odor-free.

6. Why Does My Garbage Disposal Keep Tripping the Reset Button?

Possible Causes

If you’re constantly pressing reset, your unit might be overheating or short-circuiting due to overuse, blockages, or a failing motor.

How to Fix It

  1. Turn the unit off.

  2. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes.

  3. Press the reset button to restart.

  4. If it trips again, look for jams or electrical issues.

Prevention Tip

Avoid running the unit for long periods. Most disposals are designed for short, 30-second cycles.

7. Why Is My Garbage Disposal Vibrating or Rattling?

Possible Causes

Excessive vibration often means something’s loose – either the mounting assembly or an object stuck inside.

How to Fix It

  1. Inspect the mounting ring under the sink; tighten any loose screws.

  2. Check for foreign objects like silverware or bottle caps inside.

  3. Ensure the sink flange is secured tightly with plumber’s putty.

Prevention Tip

Always turn off the unit before removing objects and never use your hands—use tongs or pliers instead.

When Should I Replace My Garbage Disposal?

Sometimes, repair just isn’t worth it. Replacement might be the smarter option if:

  • The unit is over 8–10 years old

  • You notice bottom leaks or smoke

  • It frequently jams or overheats

  • It makes grinding noises even when empty

Newer models are more efficient, quieter, and use less energy – making them a solid long-term investment.

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly

Keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly is simple if you develop a few smart habits. Always run cold water every time you use it to help flush food particles through the drain and keep the motor cool. Avoid grinding bones, shells, fibrous foods, or grease as these can jam the blades or clog the pipes. Clean the unit weekly with citrus peels or vinegar to remove odors and buildup, and grind a few ice cubes once a month to naturally sharpen the blades. Finally, do not overload the disposal with too much food at once; smaller batches grind more efficiently and reduce strain on the motor. With these easy habits, your garbage disposal can stay efficient and odor free for well over a decade.

Need Repair Service for Garbage Disposal?

If your garbage disposal has stopped operating and you have been unable to resolve the problem, it is time for professional plumbing repair. New Flow Plumbing will inspect your equipment to establish the exact cause of your trash disposal’s failure and make the required repairs to get it back up and running or install a new unit if you prefer.

FAQs

If your garbage disposal doesn’t turn on or make any sound, it’s often an electrical issue. Start by checking that the unit is plugged in properly under the sink. Next, press the reset button located on the bottom of the disposal; it may have tripped if the unit overheated. If that doesn’t work, check your circuit breaker and reset it if needed. You can also test the outlet by plugging in another small appliance. If there’s power but the disposal still won’t start, the internal wiring or motor may be faulty. In that case, contact a licensed technician or plumber like New Flow Plumbing to inspect or replace the motor safely.

A humming noise means the disposal is getting power but the flywheel or impeller blades are jammed. This usually happens when something hard—like a bone, utensil, or fibrous food—gets stuck inside. Turn off the power completely, then insert an Allen wrench into the small hex hole at the bottom of the unit and rotate it back and forth to loosen the jam. If your model doesn’t have this feature, use wooden tongs or pliers from the top to dislodge debris. After freeing the obstruction, press the reset button and test the unit. If it still hums without grinding, the motor may be burned out and should be replaced.

If pressing the switch or button produces no response, the problem is likely in the electrical wiring or faulty switch. Start by ensuring the disposal is plugged in securely and that the breaker hasn’t tripped. If both are fine, turn off power at the breaker, remove the switch’s cover plate, and check that all wiring connections are tight. Replace any worn or damaged switches. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, a professional plumber or electrician can safely repair or replace the switch.

If your garbage disposal stopped suddenly while in use, it’s likely due to overheating or a jam. Running it too long without water or overloading it with food can cause the motor to shut off automatically for protection. Wait 10–15 minutes for it to cool, then press the reset button. If it still won’t start, inspect inside using tongs to remove any foreign objects. Continuous failure may indicate the motor is worn out or an internal part has failed. In that case, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair.

To reset your garbage disposal:
1. Turn off the disposal and ensure it’s unplugged.
2. Locate the small red or black reset button underneath the unit.
3. Press and hold the button for 5–10 seconds until you feel it click.
4. Restore power and test the switch.
If it trips again quickly, that usually means the disposal is overheated or jammed. Remove the obstruction and allow the motor to cool before resetting it again.

Avoid putting the following items in your disposal to prevent jams and damage:
– Bones, shells, or pits from fruits
– Grease, oil, or fat, which solidify and clog pipes
– Fibrous foods such as celery, corn husks, or onion skins
– Starches like pasta, rice, and potato peels that expand with water
– Coffee grounds, which collect and form sludge
– Non-food objects like plastic, glass, or metal utensils
These materials dull the blades, strain the motor, and create serious drain blockages that may require professional repair.

If your disposal hums but doesn’t spin, it’s the same issue as a jammed impeller or flywheel. Disconnect power, use a hex wrench to manually rotate the flywheel, and then push the reset button. If you smell burning or the humming continues even after clearing the jam, that’s a sign of motor failure. Replacing the disposal is the safest option to avoid electrical hazards.

You’ll know the motor is burned out when the unit doesn’t turn on, doesn’t hum, and the reset button has no effect. You might also notice a burning smell or hear a faint buzz before it shuts off completely. A failed motor cannot be repaired and must be replaced. For safety and long-term reliability, contact a certified plumber like New Flow Plumbing to replace the unit properly and ensure the wiring and seals are secure.

In most kitchens, the dishwasher drains through the garbage disposal. If the disposal is clogged or not working, the dishwasher can back up, causing water to pool in the sink or overflow. You should never run the dishwasher if the disposal is jammed, leaking, or disconnected. Once the disposal is cleared or replaced, you can safely use the dishwasher again.

Most garbage disposals last between 8 and 12 years. The lifespan depends on the brand, how often you use it, and what materials you grind. Using it properly—running cold water, avoiding hard foods, and cleaning it regularly—can extend its life. If your disposal requires frequent resets or starts leaking, it’s usually cheaper and safer to replace it with a modern, energy-efficient model.

A leak from the bottom means the internal seal or chamber inside the disposal is cracked. This typically happens due to corrosion, age, or continuous vibration. Unfortunately, internal leaks can’t be repaired; the entire unit must be replaced. If your disposal is relatively new, check if it’s still under warranty. Otherwise, a professional plumber such as New Flow Plumbing can replace it quickly and ensure all connections are sealed properly.

If the leak is near the sink flange or drainpipe, you can often tighten screws or reapply plumber’s putty to reseal it. For leaks around the dishwasher hose, check the rubber gasket and clamp. However, leaks from the bottom of the unit mean the internal housing has failed, and DIY fixes won’t help. In that case, replacing the disposal is the only lasting solution.

Persistent odors mean there’s still food residue or grease trapped under the blades or in the rubber splash guard. To remove the smell completely:
1. Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar, let it fizz for 10 minutes.
2. Scrub the splash guard with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water.
3. Grind a few ice cubes and citrus peels to clean and deodorize the blades.
Regular weekly cleaning prevents bacteria buildup and keeps your sink fresh.

Keeping your disposal in top shape is simple:
– Run cold water every time you use it to flush food through.
– Avoid hard or fibrous foods that cause jams.
– Clean weekly using vinegar or citrus to remove buildup.
– Grind ice cubes monthly to sharpen the blades.
– Don’t overload it—feed waste gradually.
Following these steps ensures smooth operation and helps your disposal last over a decade with minimal issues.

Call a professional when your garbage disposal won’t turn on after resetting, leaks from the base, emits a burning smell, or constantly trips the breaker. These symptoms indicate electrical or mechanical problems that can’t be fixed safely at home. Expert plumbers like New Flow Plumbing can diagnose the exact cause, replace worn parts, or install a new unit quickly, ensuring long-term reliability and safety.

Arman Personal Passport Size Image

Arman Grigoryan

Founder & President of New Flow Plumbing

Arman Grigoryan is the founder and president of New Flow Plumbing, proudly serving Los Angeles, Sacramento, and surrounding areas. With extensive experience in plumbing diagnostics, he leads a skilled team specializing in advanced sewer and drain camera inspections to quickly identify problems and deliver lasting solutions. Arman is dedicated to using the latest technology to provide reliable service, honest answers, and dependable results for every customer.

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